Mount Vernon Police Department Found to Routinely Violate Residents’ Civil Rights
DOJ Investigation Reveals Pattern of Police Misconduct
A recent U.S. Department of Justice report has uncovered a pattern and practice of police misconduct at the Mount Vernon Police Department in New York, just north of New York City. The investigation, one of 12 launched by the DOJ since 2021, found that the department’s practices, including illegal strip and cavity searches, have resulted in the routine violation of residents’ civil rights.
Examples of Illegal Practices
The report highlights several instances of illegal practices, including:
- The strip search in 2020 of two women, ages 65 and 75, who were arrested on suspicion of buying drugs, but were found to be innocent. The officers involved were only docked a few vacation days for their actions.
- The practice of strip searching every person arrested, as well as those not arrested, and detaining and interrogating people without formal arrest.
- The arrest of a mother who was taken to a police station and interrogated while her dying daughter was being rushed to the hospital, despite lacking probable cause for her detention.
Lack of Training and Resources
The report also identified a lack of training and resources within the department, including low salaries, which made it difficult to attract and retain quality officers, and a lack of funds to pay for supplies and equipment.
Recommendations and Response from City Officials
The report offers several recommendations to address the department’s shortcomings, including implementing measures to ensure that unconstitutional strip and body cavity searches do not take place. In response, Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard stated that the city would work with the DOJ to address the findings and implement reforms.
Conclusion
The Mount Vernon Police Department’s practices have resulted in the routine violation of residents’ civil rights. The DOJ’s report highlights the need for immediate action to address these issues and ensure that the department operates in a fair and constitutional manner. The city’s response to the report is a positive step towards reform, and it is essential that the department takes concrete steps to implement the recommendations outlined in the report.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the U.S. Department of Justice’s investigation?
A: The investigation aimed to identify a pattern and practice of police misconduct within the Mount Vernon Police Department.
Q: What were some of the practices found to be illegal?
A: The practices included illegal strip and cavity searches, arresting people without probable cause, and detaining and interrogating individuals without formal arrest.
Q: What are the city’s plans to address the report’s findings?
A: The city has stated that it will work with the DOJ to address the findings and implement reforms.
Q: How many officers and civilian employees have been fired as a result of the investigation?
A: Three police officers and two civilian employees were fired in 2021, but the exact reasons for their termination are unclear.
